Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Roderigo, on the defensive and trying to present himself and Iago as a unified front, casually refers to Othello as the thick-lips. This epithet is both an attempt to undermine Othellos military achievements with a cheap stereotype as well as a way to pit Roderigo and Iagos physical similarity against Othellos unfamiliar appearance. How does Othello see himself? You can view our. i;..M2DD |'S87JwrWkJ])9_j. The play has a ridiculous and improbable plot, no poetic justice or tragic decorum. Refine any search. Conditions. Iago's desire for revenge is presented as destructive, unnatural and egotistical. The fact that Othello has risen to the important and powerful position of general and is accepted as a distinguished member of Venetian society suggests that the state he serves is at least 'colour blind', prepared to see good in foreigners and accept that they have a useful role to play. 'Othello' Critics - Document in A Level and IB English Literature PDF downloads of all 1725 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Strickler: "The dichotomy of Man / City versus Woman / Wilderness is not appropriate for the kind of liberty that Desdemona and Othello seek" While Othello is barraged by racism, he manages to resist its pull for some time. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Go to BN.com to get your copy of these helpful resources. . Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. In the next lines, Othello compares himself to a toad living in a dungeon, as if he has begun to suspect that his Blackness makes him a loathsome animal, somehow less than human. Critical interpretations Early views. (one code per order). The binary of love/hate is central to the play. A summary of every important critic quote for an A Level English exam, based (and separated by) the main themes and characters in the play, and what different critics have had to say regarding different themes and characters. Struggling with English? When he sees himself through societys eyes, as a barbaric interloper, Othello begins to despise himself, and it is that self-hatred that allows him to kill what he loves most. 165 0 obj <>stream You must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas From your critical reading.